Just like the photo says.
You know his name.
You know what you did.
You know what he is going to do.
His name is Inigo Montoya, you killed his father, prepare to die!
That's right you heard me. Now read aloud:
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father, prepare to die!"
This is when great writing gives me the ultimate high. When a character is so distinct, so different, and so memorable they become ingrained into the human psyche.
He was not the main character. But what a character he was. Sigh. Inigo Montoya, his name rolls off the tongue. You can hear his voice repeating the same phrase over and over again. And boy did he make that guy bleed.
*Spoiler Alert* and boy did he die...
If you have not seen this movie, please, by all means, feel free announce that you are a clueless waste of space. Then find yourself a copy and watch. Not just to get my witty banter but to be among the masses who are repeating the same phrase as I type...
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father, prepare to die!"
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father, prepare to die!"
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father, prepare to die!"
You will all hate or love me later for this. YOU will hear this phrase in the bathroom, doing the dishes, getting dressed. I am even hexing you to hear this while in the throes of passion. Then laugh and think...Damn you Charli, I need to write characters like this.
Secondary characters have their place.
The hero can't make it without him. Needs him. Depends on him. Their plots are woven together like fine silk, each needing each other to complete the story, give us that happy ending, or at least a satifying one.
The Princess Bride could've had a different sidekick, I guess. But would it be the same story? I think not.
Who are your favorite secondary characters? Which ones do you believe are the most popular, deserving of their own tales?
I have a list. But I won't share until you do. :)
Here is a clip of Inigo's famous scene.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6m7NR6iYjg&feature=related
Charli Mac
One of my all time FAVORITE movies! Even if secondary characters are fleeting, if their memorable, I want to read their story to. A boon for an author, when your readers want more! :-)
ReplyDeleteLOL, oh man, I totally remember this movie. And I honestly really liked it.
ReplyDeleteSo, who is my fav secondary character. Hmmm.....let me think......
Ah! Sam from Lord of the Rings. The reason for this is if it wasn't for Sam Saron would have won. Right from the start Sam saved Frodo from the blackrider when they were hiding under that log. Frodo was going to put the ring on, but Sam stopped him. There were many instances where Sam saved the day. If I listed them all then this post would be waaaaay too long.
Brenda
Too funny Charli girl. My hubby saw the picture and said the line without even reading your blog. You are right some things just stick. Wouldn't it be great to write such a memorable character. For them to be so well know would be a great accomplishment. Great blog and very intertaining!
ReplyDeleteBrenda, I'd love to see a book with Sam. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteAnother fave secondary of mine is Dallas Winston from the Outisders. Ha cha cha!
One more is Doris Murphy in A League of Their Own, Rosie O'Donnell's character.
I love the whole cast of Return To Me...the movie would not have been the same, even without "Water Lady". Great, great stuff!
ReplyDeleteI've watched this movie so MANY times. I even included the book in my first novel.
ReplyDeleteLove The Princess Bride. Ha ha, I use to go around saying Amigo Montoya because I didn't understand what he said, lol. And to think, now I'm fluent in Spanish and married to a Latino, oh the irony. Don't get me started on the "La Bamba" story!
ReplyDeleteI masacred the LaBamba song. My Spanish hubby forbids me to ever sing it. He just rolls his eyes.
ReplyDeleteSmall world. My name is Amigo...ROTFLMAO.
Return to Me, forgot about that movie. Good one.
Gump is all over my MS Anne.